Unseen Influences

By Henry F. Kletzing and Elmer L. Kletzing, 1899

“How do you know there is a kite in the air?” said a man to a boy who was holding a string leading skyward. “I see nothing and you see nothing.” “But I feel it pull!” was the prompt reply.

So with many unseen influences coming from various sources. We cannot explain their origin, but somehow they mold and shape our lives; somehow we feel them pull our hearts upward and onward.

We associate with men whose thoughts are ennobling, whose lives are refined and have an aim, whose conversation is elevating, whose manners and bearing are courteous and dignified, and unconsciously our own lives are taking on the same traits, our characters are expanding in the same direction. On the other hand, let our companions be those whose thoughts are debasing, whose lives are coarse and aimless, whose conversation is commonplace and borders on the vulgar, whose manners are rude and offensive, and unconsciously and involuntarily we, at least in some respects, show the influence of these surroundings upon our own lives.

Sailing from Cuba, a sailor thought he had gained sixty miles one day, but the next observation showed that he had lost more than thirty miles. There was an unseen undercurrent. The ship had been going forward by the wind but going back by a current. A man’s course may often seem to be right, but the undercurrent is sometimes carrying him in a direction the very opposite of that which he thinks he is going. Unseen influences may be debasing or elevating. Every man has an influence over someone else. This influence may be far-reaching or otherwise, according to circumstances. It is impossible to deny or to be free from the responsibility of exerting an influence upon others. Each one must, however, decide for himself whether this influence shall be ennobling or degrading.

Many a pliable youth, whose future was still undecided, has had his destiny determined by a word, a look, a touch, a shadow. Thousands of men have been destroyed in this world who never knew, nor even suspected, that it was some small circumstance that determined their destruction. Thousands of men have been led by some unseen influence to choose the better part and to give their lives for the uplifting of humanity.

Top Ten Things Ungodly Cultures Hate That the Bible Tells Men

1. Men protect women
2. Men are leaders
3. Men are responsible as heads of their families
4. Men are to teach their children 24/7
5. Men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and be willing to die for them
6. Men are to be fruitful and multiply
7. Men do not own their bodies, their wives do
8. Men must bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord
9. Men must insure that their whole families and everyone else around them should celebrate the Sabbath
10. Mens hearts should be turned toward their children

Top Ten Things Ungodly Cultures Hate That the Bible Tells Women

1. Women should be keepers at home
2. Women should submit and obey their husbands following the example of Sarah and call her husband Lord
3. Women should dress modestly
4. Wives don’t own their own bodies, their husbands do
5. Women should be fruitful and multiply
6. Younger women should be taught by older women
7. Women should not kill their babies made in the image of God
8. Wives should love their husbands
9. Women should not be busybodies – chat rooms and blogs and facebook
10. Women should not exercise authority over men.

Love

I could not even start to do justice to this topic but two men who speak very well on it are Voddie Baucham in chapter three of his book Family Driven Faith and Norm Wakefield in his fifth message in the Equipping Men Series called Equipped to Love. After hearing what these two men and others have had to say I've been thinking about it quite a bit. Here are a few thoughts.

I thought it would be interesting to start with how the world might define love.

Wikipedia: Love is any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection and attachment. The word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my husband"). This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

So what is the Biblical definition of love?

Deut. 6:5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

The three Hebrew words used here (translated heart, soul, and strength) provide a clear biblical definition of love:

love is an act of the will accompanied by emotion that leads to action on behalf of its object.

Biblical love is a choice. While emotion is a large part of the love equation, it must not be the sum total. Although love is accompanied by emotion, biblical love is not led by emotion.

Love leads to action on behalf of its object. John 14:15 says "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

Therefore, if a man says he loves his wife you should be able to tell by his actions as well as his words.

Biblical love is not a random, overwhelming or an uncontrollable force. Neither is it sensual.

Biblical love keeps giving even when there is no return. This kind of love I've seen portrayed in a elderly man who must care for his sickly wife, and does so cheerfully, day in and out, with no breaks.

Mythical love won't endure hardship, overcome adversity, or triumph over disaster.

Often we use the word love with out thinking. If I say I love my car what do I mean? I love it because of what it gives me? I guess as soon as it stops giving I stop loving it? God forbid that this kind of love be applied in relationships!

Biblical love is volitional, transferable, secure, and it satisfies.

Think about what true love means. Watch how you use the word love.

My two cents. Thoughts?

To Hell and Back - 1955

Last night we watched the final DVD Laura gave us for Christmas: To Hell and Back - 1955. I've see this a few years ago so remembered the story line but much more stood out to me this time. I'm putting this in my top 10 favorite movies.

To Hell and Back is the story of Audie Murphy, who stars himself, the most decorated soldier or the "Sergeant York" of WWII.



Audie grows up in a large, poor sharecropper family in Texas. His father deserts them around 1940, leaving his mother barely able to feed her nine children. As the eldest child, Murphy works from an early age to help support his siblings, and when his mother dies in 1941 he becomes head of the family.

When World War II breaks out, Murphy is eager to enlist, but is rejected by the Marines, the Navy, and the Army paratroopers due to his small size and youthful appearance. Finally the Army reluctantly accepts him as an ordinary infantryman. After basic training and infantry training, Murphy is shipped out to the Third Infantry Division in North Africa as a replacement.

Murphy soon proves himself in battle, however, and is steadily promoted, at first against his will, eventually receiving a battlefield commission in the rank of second lieutenant.

The action for which Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor is depicted near the end of the film. Murphy's company is forced to retreat in the face of a fierce German attack. However, Murphy remains behind at the edge of a forest to direct artillery fire on the advancing enemy infantry and armor. As the Germans close on his position, Murphy jumps onto an abandoned M4 Sherman tank and uses its .50-caliber machine gun to hold the enemy at bay, even though the vehicle is on fire and may explode at any moment. Although wounded and dangerously exposed to enemy fire, Murphy single-handedly turns back the German attack, thereby saving his company. After a period of hospitalization, he is returned to duty.


A few things I like about Audie Murphy: when there was no word from his father and his mother was struggling to care for the family he decides to man up, becoming the man of the house and providing financially for them. I like his kind and humble attitude. When offered to be promoted he turned it down several times not wanting to be elevated or separated from his men. Though not what some would consider a manly man I think he was one of the greatest of the 20th century.

Equipping Men by Norm Wakefield

Equipping Men by Norm Wakefield is probably my favorite series of messages. I first met Norm Wakefield a few years ago at a father/son retreat. Norm is a easy going and very likeable guy. I remember him and dad talking together about computer programing, a common interest of theirs, and later debating Phil on PC vs. MAC. He grew up being very involved in football and told us some of his experiences. A few times he pulled up some funny videos on his lap top and showed them to us guys on his big roll up screen. I thoroughly enjoyed that week.

A year ago I watched his 9 video Equipping Men series by myself in the evenings. Since then our family purchased this 12 CD series. I downloaded them to my MP3 player listening to the first six Thursday at work and the last 6 on Friday. This is one series I can listen to over and over and still be challenged. He speaks very plainly and is easy to understand. I like his "well, what can we do?" summaries. I most appreciate his talks on identity and how fathers can turn their hearts back to their families.

It is available in several formats including audio cassette, compact disc, MP3 Multi-part download, 11 DVD series and Spanish. There is also a study guide download.

Topics Include:

It's a Matter of Identity

The Calling Out of Sons

A Father and His Daughter

Beware of the Wolf

Equipped to Love

In Search of Happiness

The Spirit of Elijah

Jurisdictional Leadership

Leading with Vision

Unshakable Faith

Heart Maintenance

Teen Girls Define “A Real Man”

Lori Hainline & Rebecca Chandler co-authored this list at the respective ages of 19 and 17. Their closing comment: This list is not exhaustive and men like this do exist!

A real man . . .


…understands and lives according to the basic purposes for which he was created: to worship, honor, and serve God. (Romans 12:1-2)

…values and carefully handles the scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15)

…doesn’t pride himself on being knowledgeable in the sinful ways of the world. (1 John 2:15-16, James 4:4, Philippians 4:8)

…isn’t embarrassed to worship God and pray in a group setting. (Mark 8:38)

…is wise, yet humble. (Proverbs 2:1-10, 1 Peter 5:5, Romans 12:16)

…takes leadership in a self-sacrificing way. (Ephesians 5:25-28)


…is kind because, “What is desirable in man is his kindness” (Proverbs 19:22)

…doesn’t try to prove himself but is simply confident as he walks in the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 14:26-27)

…doesn’t put others down with his actions, attitude, words, or his strength. But on the contrary, he affirms and builds others up (Proverbs 15:4, Ephesians 4:29)

…treats his sisters and mother with as much respect as he would treat a prospective wife. (Matthew 25:21)


…not only respects but appreciates a young lady’s purity and innocence. In our culture innocence isn’t retained by accident. (2 Corinthians 11:2-3)

…values his purity as much as he values a young lady’s purity. He is not ashamed to live and act differently from the world in order to guard himself. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Ecclesiastes 7:26)

…can look a girl straight in the eye without communicating any impurity. (Proverbs 20:11)

…isn’t ashamed to identify himself with his family (Ephesians 6:2-3)


…is a gentleman. He is polite and shows women honor in everyday things such as opening doors, etc. (1 Peter 3:7)

…has no desire to be gross in order to impress other men. He doesn’t burp, swear, or tell disgusting stories. (Proverbs 13:5, Ephesians 5:4)

…shows by his actions that he loves children. (Matthew 19:13-14)


…is pleasant and expresses joy rather than feeling that it’s masculine to be sullen. (Proverbs 21:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:16)

…doesn’t blame others for his own problems but embraces responsibility. (Proverbs 12:27)

…can accept correction (Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 29:1)

…is mature in his emotions and his expressions of them. He can deal with the trials of life logically, with wisdom, not on a basis of emotional instability. (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 12:18)


…understands the value of work and is financially responsible. (Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Luke 16:10-11)

…expresses himself with intelligent words rather than using “street talk”. (Proverbs 17:20, Titus 2:6-8, 1 Peter 4:11, Ephesians 4:29

Bible Lessons for Manhood from the Battlefield of My Father's Youth by Scott Brown

At work I often spend long hours working my myself thinking (dangerous, I know!) and sometimes listening to music. I was thinking the other day about all the messages on CDs we have I'd like to listen to but never have time for. Today I brought the first set, Bible Lessons for Manhood from the Battlefield of My Father's Youth by Scott Brown, downloaded to my MP3 player and listened to all six messages. I really enjoyed this series and if you haven't heard it I strongly recommend it especially for fathers and young men. It is available from Vision Forum Miniseries.   

Topics Include:

Lessons for Manhood from the Battlefield of My Father’s Youth

Don’t Waste Your Youth

How Fathers Prepare Their Sons for Effective Work

Don’t Prejudge Disasters and Trust in the Sovereignty of God

Lead Courageously and Build Long and Loyal Friendships

Choose the Right Weapons for the Battle Against Impurity
 

Winston Churchill Quotes

Dockers Tells America: Its Time for Men to Wear the Pants

Energetic Men

We love upright, energetic men. Pull them this way, and then that way, and the other, and they only bend, but never break. Trip them down, and in a trice they are on their feet. Bury them in the mud, and in an hour they will be out and bright. They are not ever yawning away existence, or walking about the world as if they had come into it with only half their soul; you cannot keep them down; you cannot destroy them. But for these the world would soon degenerate. They are the salt of the earth. Who but they start any noble project? They build our cities and rear our manufactories; they whiten the ocean with their sails, and they blacken the heavens with the smoke of their steam-vessels and furnace fires; they draw treasures from the mine; they plow the earth. Blessings on them! Look to them, young men, and take courage; imitate their example; catch the spirit of their energy and enterprise, and you will deserve, and no doubt command, success.

Rules for My Unborn Son

Walker Lamond wrote:

“Somewhere along the way, rules got a bad name. People wanted freedom. Authority was questioned, rules were broken, dress codes banished! Rules were seen as antiquated obstacles to individualism and progress. Barbers were ignored, ties packed away. And the game of life suddenly got a bit sloppier, more uncertain, and even a bit less fun. My father….understood that a man of strong character, who took pride his appearance and behavior, was given the most liberty to have fun. And so he had rules.”

What is Loyalty?

From the Art of Manliness.

Like, courage, integrity, and personal responsibility, loyalty is one of the essential manly virtues. But like other lofty attributes, it is often easier to describe with examples than words. We know it in the soldier who will not leave a wounded comrade behind and dodges withering fire to bring the man to safety. We see it embodied in the prominent man who has women throw themselves at him when away from home, but who never strays from his wife, and in the religious martyr who chooses death over the disavowal of faith. And it is the bond that befuddles girlfriends who cannot understand why their beau is still friends with a childhood chum with whom he now seemingly shares little in common.


Josiah Royce, author of the 1920 book, The Philosophy of Loyalty, said loyalty was “the willing and practical and thoroughgoing devotion of a person to a cause.” Let’s unpack this definition:

Willing. Loyalty must born from your own choice and free will. It cannot be forced upon you by another person or organization. Loyalty must be chosen.

Practical and thoroughgoing devotion. Loyalty is not some pie in the sky abstraction. It must be coupled with action. Feeling and emotion can be part of loyalty, but action must always constitute the core.

To a cause. We often imagine loyalty as a bond between ourselves and individuals or organizations-with a friend, with a wife, with a church. Thus, when that individual entity changes and stops interesting us, we feel justified in breaking off our loyalty to it.

True loyalty must take as its cause something bigger than the individual; it must be rooted in principles, not people. Be not loyal to your buddy Eddie, but loyal to the idea of brotherhood and friendship. Be not loyal to your wife, but loyal to the idea of love and fidelity. Be not loyal to your sister but loyal to the sacred nature of familial bonds. Be not loyal to a church but loyal to the gospel.

Such unchanging principles must serve as the foundation of your loyalty. Thus, when people and organizations shift and change, your loyalty, anchored to immovable values, will remain steadfast.

Where are the men?

This is a poem my younger sister wrote this last week which I thought she did a wonderful job on.


Where are the men, who for freedom fought,
With blood, and tears this country they bought?
Where are the men, who gave their lives,
So their future children and grandchildren could rise?
It’s these men we crave, who are not afraid of the grave.
It’s these men we need, who are heroes because of their deed.

Where are the men, who died with Washington,
Those who did not give up, ‘till the war was won?
Where are the men, who stood straight and tall,
Who helped out country, when she teetered but did not fall?
It’s these men we want, danger will not their spirits taunt.
It’s these men we yearn, for this country their brave hearts did burn.

Where are the men, who fought in World War II?
They fought, bled, cried and lay dead in the dew.
Where are the men, who bled for Uncle Sam?
Young boys, going off to war, and became a man.
It’s these men and boys, who gave up their toys,
To become the heroes, as they fought our foes.

Where are the men, who fought, but while at home?
Their battles just as big, but not in Japan, Spain, or Rome.
Where are the men, who lead our families the right way,
Fighting the good fight and fighting it every single day?
Fathers, sons, and leaders, pastors and teachers.
We need more of them, we need more of these true men!

Where are the men, brave soldiers and strong fathers?
Who fight for their wives, theirs sons, and their daughters?
Where are the men? In our country going tender!
The true men are dying, and their number getting slender.
We need you, true men! This country needs you again!
Do not hide in fright. Don’t just sit, but fight the good fight!

~Susanna R. Criss

Give us Men!

Give us Men!
Men-from every rank,
Fresh and free and frank;
Men of thought and reading,
Men of light and leading,
Men of loyal breeding,
The nation’s welfare speeding;
Men of faith and not of fiction,
Men of lofty aim in action;
Give us Men-I say again,
Give us Men!

Give us Men!
Strong and stalwart ones;
Men whom highest hope inspires,
Men whom purest honor fires,
Men who trample self beneath them,
Men who make their country wreath them
As her noble sons,
Worthy of their sires;
Men who never shame their mothers,
Men who never fail their brothers,
True, however false are others:
Give us Men-I say again,
Give us Men!

Give us Men!
Men who, when the tempest gathers,
Grasp the standard of their fathers
In the thickest fight;
Men who strike for home and later,
(Let the coward cringe and falter),
God defend the right!
True as truth the lorn and lonely,
Tender, as the brave are lonely,
Men who treat where saints have trod,
Men for Country, Home- and God:
Give us Men! I say again- again-
Give us Men!

-Josiah Gilbert Holland

A Manly Boy - Published by Draper’s Self Culture in 1907

For a boy to be manly, he must act like a man. By this I do not mean that he must no longer be a boy. He must be willing, as far as he is able, to help his parents, and try to assist his brothers and sisters in every way that he can.

There are many things which men do that it would not be right for boys to attempt. But there are also many other things which wise and thoughtful boys will try to do as well as they can, and yet be true boys.

There is an old saying that “you cannot put old heads on young shoulders.” This is true to some extent; but when it is given as an excuse for being thoughtless and careless and rude, it is misleading.

We do not want to see our boys going about like little old men, and bearing burdens which their shoulders were never meant to carry. We do not want them to be robbed of the freshness and lightness of youth, while they are yet children but in years.

We believe that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” But it is also true that “all play and no work will give Joe a ragged shirt.”

Now a manly boy is as often as fond, if not fonder, of play than a boy who has nothing of a man about him. This is because the work he does gives him a change of employment, which makes play all the pleasenter when he takes part in a game.

In every home there are many things to be done which a boy can do just as well as an older person. He can black boots, mend broken things, run errands, work in the garden, and help his younger brothers and sisters with their lessons.

He can treat his parents with repect, follow their advice, and act in such a manner that they feel they can trust him to do right when he is out of their sight. They know that he is anxious to win their praise, and that he values their esteem.

I remember asking a father if he was not afraid to send a boy of thirteen to pay a large sum of money.

“Oh no,” he replied, smiling, “I know it is quite safe with him. You see, he is such a manly boy.”

When you are older and read the lives of some men who have risen to high places in the world, you will find that when they were boys they began to act like men. Yet they were just as fond of fun and play as other boys who never tried to give their parents a helping hand.

How often we hear a boy say, “I wish I was a man!” And if we ask why, we often learn that it is because he wants to be able to do as he likes. He is tired of having to obey his parents, and be guided by them. He thinks he knows better than they do what is best for him.

Such a boy is already going wrong, and only wants the chance to break away from the restraints of home. He is not a manly boy. He is often a forward, foolish boy, who can be easily led astray, and who will sooner or later come to grief.

When a manly boy wishes to be a man, it is not that he may have his own way, but that he may be better able to help his parents and be more useful in the world. It is not that he is tired of being a boy, but he is willing to give up youthful pleasures for the sake of those who have done so much for him.